Zotero citation update issue after cross‑account library import

easoncc8 · 2026-03-17T10:20:03+00:00

I use two different Zotero accounts on two computers, and both have inserted citations into the same Word document. I now want to work solely on Computer A with my main account.

Initially, I exported the library from Computer B and imported it into Computer A. However, editing the imported items did not update the citations in Word, even after refreshing. This is because exporting and importing creates new item IDs that no longer match the original ones linked in Word.
I then tried switching the Zotero account on Computer B to my main account for synchronization, but switching accounts deletes all local library data.

How can I safely transfer the citations linked to my Word document from Computer B to Computer A, so that the citations in Word update correctly when modified?

adamsmith · 2026-03-17T11:54:34+00:00

I don't believe you can. You'd have to reinsert any citations for which you want to modify metadata

easoncc8 · 2026-03-17T12:02:50+00:00

I am so sorry to hear that. If next time I need to insert citations in two different computers, I can use the same account so that they will have same item ID?

adamsmith · 2026-03-17T12:03:53+00:00

Exactly, yes, you should use a single synced account or a group to collaborate

easoncc8 · 2026-03-17T12:10:04+00:00

Thanks for the clarification. Just to confirm: I need to create the group first before inserting the citations, which I’ve already missed; Also, I must use shared file storage for the group to sync properly.